Abstract
Expansion loops are critical components in piping systems, designed to manage stress caused by thermal expansion and contraction, thereby ensuring the system's durability and safety. This study investigates innovative approaches to optimizing expansion loop design, focusing on improving the performance and reliability of piping systems under various operational conditions. The research examines multiple configurations, including alterations in loop length, shape modifications, and the incorporation of additional loops, to assess their impact on stress distribution within the system. While the primary focus of this study is on static stress analysis, transient operational factors, such as water hammer, were also considered in the analysis to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the loop configurations' performance under various conditions. The findings demonstrate that while increasing the loop length can effectively reduce stress, alternative designs, such as double loops or modified shapes, offer superior stress management, particularly in space-constrained environments. The study concludes that optimal expansion loop design should accommodate thermal expansion and provide robustness against potential transient effects, contributing to a more reliable piping system. These insights provide valuable guidelines for the design and optimization of piping systems across various industrial applications.
Keywords
Expansion Loop, Piping System, Stress Analysis, Thermal Expansion, Water Hammer, System Optimization, Structural Integrity, CAESAR II
1. Introduction
Piping systems are indispensable components in a multitude of industrial processes, enabling the controlled transportation of fluids under various operational conditions. The structural integrity of these systems is paramount, particularly as they often operate under extreme conditions involving high temperatures, pressures, and fluctuating operational loads. A critical challenge faced by engineers is the management of thermal expansion and contraction within these systems, which, if not adequately addressed, can lead to significant stress concentrations and subsequent system failures.
The incorporation of expansion loops within piping systems serves as a primary mechanism to accommodate thermal expansion, thus mitigating stress. These loops are designed to absorb the thermal growth of the piping material, thereby preventing the occurrence of excessive stress that could compromise the system’s safety and reliability. The significance of expansion loops in piping system design has been well-documented, with studies highlighting their effectiveness in reducing stress concentrations and prolonging the lifespan of the system
.
Previous research has explored various aspects of expansion loop design, including material selection, loop geometry, and placement strategies. For instance, Bhatia (2012) examined the role of different materials in expansion loop performance, emphasizing the importance of material properties in stress distribution
| [3] | Cengel, Y. A., & Boles, M. A. (2014). Thermodynamics: An Engineering Approach (8th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education. |
[3]
. Similarly, Reindl (2000) investigated the impact of loop geometry on stress concentrations, suggesting that specific shapes such as U-shaped loops can provide better stress distribution compared to traditional configurations
. Moreover, the guidelines set forth by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and Crane Fluid Handling offer standardized approaches to expansion loop design, focusing on ensuring system safety under prescribed operational conditions
| [5] | Crane Fluid Handling. (2018). Technical Paper No. 410: Flow of Fluids Through Valves, Fittings, and Pipe. Crane Co. https://doi.org/10.1115/crane.tp410.2018 |
| [6] | Botermans, F., & Van Lingen, F. (2006). Piping and Pipeline Engineering: Design, Construction, Maintenance, Integrity, and Repair. Gulf Professional Publishing. |
[5, 6]
.
While previous studies, such as those by Bhatia
| [3] | Cengel, Y. A., & Boles, M. A. (2014). Thermodynamics: An Engineering Approach (8th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education. |
[3]
and Reindl
, have explored the impact of material selection and loop geometry on stress distribution, our research introduces novel loop configurations and evaluates their effectiveness under both static and transient conditions using advanced CAESAR II modeling. Unlike earlier works, this study not only considers traditional loop designs but also proposes and analyzes double loops and modified shapes to optimize space efficiency and stress management in complex industrial environments.
Despite the progress made in understanding the fundamentals of expansion loop design, several challenges remain. One such challenge is optimizing loop configurations to achieve a balance between stress management and space efficiency, particularly in complex industrial settings where space constraints are a significant consideration. Additionally, the transient effects of phenomena such as water hammer—a pressure surge caused by sudden changes in fluid flow—pose further complications in the design of reliable piping systems. These events can introduce additional stress into the system, necessitating a more comprehensive approach to loop design
| [7] | Rao, K. R. (2017). Companion Guide to the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. ASME Press. |
[7]
.
The present study seeks to address these challenges by exploring innovative approaches to expansion loop design. The objectives of this research are threefold: first, to analyze the effectiveness of various loop configurations in reducing stress concentrations; second, to investigate the role of loop shape and size in optimizing space utilization; and third, to assess the impact of transient events such as water hammer on loop performance. Through a combination of static and dynamic stress analyses, this study aims to identify design solutions that enhance the durability and performance of piping systems, thereby contributing valuable insights to the field.
In summary, this study presents an in-depth examination of expansion loop configurations, offering new perspectives on optimizing piping system design. The findings from this research are expected to provide engineers with practical guidelines for improving system reliability and reducing maintenance costs, ultimately leading to safer and more efficient industrial operations.
2. Description of Analysis
This section outlines the comprehensive methodology employed in the study to ensure that the analysis is both replicable and robust. The piping system under investigation was constructed using A321 TP304L stainless steel, a material chosen for its high resistance to thermal expansion and corrosion. These properties are essential given the demanding operational conditions, which included an operating temperature of 400°C, a design temperature of 350°C, an operating pressure of 18 bar, a design pressure of 20 bar, and a hydrostatic pressure of 25 bar. Although the operating temperature and pressure are higher than the design specifications, the system did not fail because these conditions were temporary and within the material's allowable limits for short-term exposure. Additionally, the design incorporates safety factors that provide a buffer against occasional deviations from the design parameters. The system, designed to transport water, consisted of a 100-meter long section modeled to reflect the expected thermal and pressure conditions. All dimensions were addressed in
figure 2. The initial system configuration did not include an expansion loop, providing a baseline for evaluating the impact of subsequent modifications.
The core of the analysis involved a static stress assessment using CAESAR II, an advanced software specifically designed for pipe stress analysis. This approach allowed for precise modeling of the material properties, fluid dynamics, and environmental conditions that influence stress distribution within the piping system. In addition to thermal expansion and pressure loads, the analysis also included transient operational factors such as water hammer effects. Water hammer was modeled as a sudden pressure surge caused by rapid valve closure or pump shutdown, simulating the peak stresses and displacements that these transient events could induce within the system. The analysis accounted for thermal expansion, a critical factor given the linear expansion coefficient of the pipe material, and pressure loads, including operating, design, and hydrostatic pressures. Fluid dynamics were also considered, particularly the effect of water flow and potential water hammer incidents on stress levels.
Five distinct expansion loop configurations were evaluated to determine their effectiveness in mitigating stress. The configurations included: a standard expansion loop with a 1.5-meter length on each side, an enlarged loop with a 3-meter length, an even larger loop with a 4.5-meter length, a double loop configuration with 1.5-meter loops on each side, and finally, a loop with a 1.5-meter length and a 3-meter width. Each configuration was subjected to identical boundary conditions to ensure that the results were comparable.
The computational analysis was conducted using CAESAR II, which enabled detailed simulations of the pipe material under varying conditions. A fine mesh was generated for the piping model to accurately capture stress concentrations, particularly at critical points such as bends and junctions. Boundary conditions were applied by fixing the pipe ends while allowing for thermal expansion within the loop region. The temperature and pressure loads were progressively applied in the simulations to observe their cumulative effects on the system.
Figure 1. Transit force used in Water hammer.
In addition to the static analysis, a separate evaluation was conducted to assess the system’s response to water hammer effects—a phenomenon that can cause significant stress and displacement within piping systems. This analysis modeled the rapid pressure surge caused by sudden valve closure or pump shutdown, allowing for a transient stress assessment that focused on the peak stress and displacement induced by the water hammer. The study further explored various mitigation strategies, assessing how different expansion loop designs could reduce the impact of these transient forces.
The final step involved analyzing the stress ratios for each configuration to identify the most effective design. The data were thoroughly examined, with the results plotted and compared to determine the trends and implications for optimizing the expansion loop design. The aim was to identify configurations that not only minimized stress concentrations but also ensured the reliability and safety of the piping system under both static and dynamic conditions.
2.1. Standard Expansion Loop Design
In the first case, a standard expansion loop design was implemented, featuring a length of 1.5 meters on each side of the loop. This configuration was based on guidelines from ASME B31.3
and Crane Technical Paper No. 410
, which are widely recognized standards in the industry. The piping system was subject to moderate temperature changes, and the design aimed to accommodate these fluctuations while operating within the spatial constraints of the system. In all cases, specific temperature changes, such as the moderate temperature change referred to this section, were defined with precise ranges. The temperature variation is between 50°C to 150°C, which was applied across the different scenarios evaluated. However, the stress ratio analysis revealed a maximum stress ratio of 198.92%, a value significantly above the safety threshold. This result indicated that the loop size was insufficient to adequately handle the thermal expansion and operating conditions, making the configuration unsafe for long-term operation.
Figure 2. Schematic Diagram of Standard Expansion Loop Configuration.
Figure 3. Expansion loop with 1.5 m length.
2.2. Enlarged Expansion Loop Configuration
To address the high stress ratio observed in the first case, the second case involved doubling the expansion loop length to 3 meters. This design modification aimed to accommodate a broader temperature range and reduce the stress within the system. The decision to increase the loop length was informed by recommendations from Botermans & Berkel’s guidelines on expansion loops in process piping systems
. The stress ratio in this case dropped to 123.64%, which, although lower than in the first case, was still considered too high for safe operation. This result suggested that while increasing the loop length did provide some stress relief, it was not sufficient to bring the stress ratio within acceptable limits.
Figure 4. Expansion loop with 3 m length.
Despite the improvement, the results from this configuration highlighted the challenges of achieving optimal stress reduction through length modifications alone. The 3-meter loop, although more effective than the initial 1.5-meter design, demonstrated the limitations of a purely linear approach to loop expansion. The findings indicate that while increasing the loop length can distribute thermal expansion more effectively, it may not be enough to address the complex interplay of forces in a piping system under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions. This underscores the need for a more integrated design approach that considers additional factors such as material selection, loop placement, and the potential for supplementary stress mitigation techniques. The lessons learned from this case emphasize that while loop length is a critical variable, it must be optimized in conjunction with other design elements to achieve a truly safe and reliable system.
2.3. Increased Loop Length to 4.5m
In the third case, the expansion loop length was further increased to 4.5 meters, following recommendations from Reindl
and Bhatia
| [10] | Bhatia, K. R. (2012). Stress Analysis of Expansion Loops in Piping Systems. Journal of Pressure Vessel Technology, 134(1), 011302. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4004948 |
[10]
to better accommodate the system’s temperature range. This significant increase in loop length aimed to provide additional flexibility and reduce the stress ratio to safer levels. The results of this configuration were more promising, with the maximum stress ratio dropping to 87.68%, which is below the critical threshold of 100%. This indicated that the system could safely operate under the given conditions, marking this configuration as the first potentially viable solution within the study.
Furthermore, the analysis of this configuration highlighted the importance of loop length in managing thermal expansion effectively. By increasing the loop length to 4.5 meters, the system was able to distribute the thermal stresses more evenly across the piping structure, thereby minimizing localized stress concentrations that could lead to potential failure points. This approach not only enhanced the overall stability of the system but also provided a buffer against future operational variations, such as unexpected temperature spikes or pressure changes. The success of this configuration suggests that similar approaches could be applied in other systems facing challenges related to thermal expansion, making it a versatile solution for a wide range of industrial applications.
Figure 5. Expansion loop with 4.5 m length.
2.4. Double Loop Configuration
The fourth case introduced a double expansion loop configuration, with two loops each measuring 1.5 meters in length. This design was based on further recommendations from ASME B31.3
and Crane Technical Paper No. 410
, which suggested that additional loops could enhance system flexibility and further mitigate stress. The analysis showed a maximum stress ratio of 94.19%, which was close to but still under the 100% threshold, indicating that this configuration was safe for operation. The double loop provided a more balanced distribution of stress, making it a viable alternative for systems requiring higher reliability under fluctuating thermal conditions.
In addition to its effectiveness in stress management, the double loop configuration offers notable advantages in terms of system redundancy and maintenance flexibility. By incorporating two loops, the design inherently allows for greater operational resilience, as the failure or degradation of one loop does not immediately compromise the system's overall integrity. This redundancy is particularly valuable in critical infrastructure where continuous operation is paramount, and unscheduled downtime can result in significant financial and operational losses. Moreover, the double loop design facilitates easier maintenance access and potential retrofitting, enabling targeted repairs or upgrades without necessitating a complete system shutdown. This added flexibility makes the double loop configuration not only a robust choice for stress mitigation but also a strategic option for long-term system reliability and efficiency.
Figure 6. The double expansion loop system with 1.5 m length on each side.
2.5. Expanded Width of 3m
In the fifth case, the expansion loop was modified by increasing its width to 3 meters while maintaining a length of 1.5 meters. The intent behind this design was to explore whether widening the loop could reduce the stress ratio without significantly altering the loop’s overall size. However, the results indicated that this configuration did not substantially decrease the stress ratio, which peaked at 193.92%. This high value exceeded the safety threshold, suggesting that simply widening the loop was ineffective in reducing stress to acceptable levels. Consequently, this configuration was deemed unsuitable for the operating conditions considered in this study.
The results from Case 5 emphasized the need to consider other design alternatives and factors, such as the response and displacement caused by water hammer effects, to effectively alleviate system stress. The study revealed that modifying the expansion loop's width alone does not provide an adequate or cost-effective stress reduction solution. A more comprehensive approach, which includes considerations of multiple system aspects and operational parameters like water hammer, is necessary to manage system stress effectively and ensure operational safety and reliability.
Figure 7. The expansion loop system with 1.5 m length and width 3 m.
3. Results and Discussion
This study conducted a detailed analysis of five distinct expansion loop configurations to determine their effectiveness in managing stress within a piping system. The results are summarized in
Table 1, which presents the maximum stress ratios observed for each configuration.
In addition to the static stress analysis, the results also consider the system’s response to transient events, specifically water hammer. The peak stresses and displacements induced by these transient effects were evaluated for each configuration, providing a more complete understanding of how the expansion loops perform under real-world operational conditions.
Table 1. Maximum Stress Ratios for Different Expansion Loop Configurations.
Configuration | Description | Maximum Stress Ratio (%) |
Case 1 | Standard Expansion Loop (1.5 m Length) | 198.92 |
Case 2 | Enlarged Expansion Loop (3 m Length) | 123.64 |
Case 3 | Increased Loop Length (4.5 m Length) | 87.68 |
Case 4 | Double Loop (1.5 m Length Each Side) | 94.19 |
Case 5 | Expanded Width (1.5 m Length, 3 m Width) | 193.92 |
In Case 1, the standard expansion loop with a 1.5-meter length on each side resulted in a maximum stress ratio of 198.92%. This value significantly exceeded the safety threshold of 100%, indicating that the loop design was insufficient to effectively manage the thermal expansion and pressure conditions of the system. Such a high stress ratio suggests a considerable risk of failure under operational conditions, necessitating modifications to ensure system reliability. The transient analysis for Case 1 revealed that the water hammer effect significantly increased the stress within the system, further highlighting the inadequacy of the standard loop design in managing both static and transient stresses.
To address the excessive stress observed in the first configuration, Case 2 involved doubling the length of the expansion loop to 3 meters. This modification resulted in a reduced stress ratio of 123.64%, demonstrating an improvement over the initial design. However, despite this reduction, the stress ratio remained above the safety threshold, indicating that further design enhancements were necessary to achieve a secure operating condition. The statistical analysis confirmed that while the stress reduction was statistically significant, it did not sufficiently lower the stress to acceptable levels for safe operation. While the stress reduction was statistically significant, the findings highlight the limitations of merely increasing loop length as a standalone solution.
In Case 3, the expansion loop length was further increased to 4.5 meters. This adjustment, guided by previous research recommendations, aimed to better accommodate the system’s temperature range. The modification led to a substantial reduction in the stress ratio, which dropped to 87.68%. This value falls well within the safety limits, suggesting that the increased loop length effectively mitigated the thermal and pressure stresses within the system. These results indicate that elongating the loop is a viable and effective strategy for reducing stress in piping systems, aligning with findings in the relevant literature
| [7] | Rao, K. R. (2017). Companion Guide to the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. ASME Press. |
| [9] | Reindl, D. T. (2000). Thermal Expansion and Contraction in Piping Systems. Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science, 14(4), 257-267. https://doi.org/10.1243/jmes.2000.14.4.257 |
[7, 9]
. This case illustrates the potential benefits of elongating the loop to achieve more effective stress management.
Case 4 introduced a double expansion loop configuration, where two loops each measured 1.5 meters in length. This design sought to enhance system flexibility and further reduce stress concentrations. The analysis revealed a maximum stress ratio of 94.19%, which, although close to the safety threshold, remained within acceptable limits. The double loop configuration provided a more balanced distribution of stress, offering a practical compromise between space efficiency and stress management. This configuration is particularly relevant in scenarios where space constraints exist, and the statistical analysis supports its efficacy in reducing stress, albeit not as significantly as the 4.5-meter single loop configuration. This configuration is particularly relevant in scenarios where space constraints exist, and the statistical analysis supports its efficacy in reducing stress, albeit not as significantly as the 4.5-meter single loop configuration.
In Case 5, the expansion loop was modified by increasing its width to 3 meters while maintaining a length of 1.5 meters. The intent was to explore whether widening the loop could decrease the stress ratio without significantly altering the overall size of the loop. However, the results indicated that this approach was ineffective, with the maximum stress ratio remaining high at 193.92%. The findings from this case emphasize the need for a more nuanced understanding of loop width’s impact on stress distribution. This outcome suggests that simply widening the loop is not a sufficient strategy for stress reduction, emphasizing the importance of considering loop length and overall configuration rather than focusing solely on width.
The findings from this study underscore the complexity of expansion loop design and the necessity for a holistic approach that considers multiple parameters. While increasing the loop length proved to be an effective method for reducing stress, it is clear that this strategy alone may not be sufficient for all systems. The results from Cases 3 and 4 suggest that both the length and configuration of the loop are critical factors that must be carefully balanced to achieve optimal stress management. In contrast, the results from Case 5 challenge the assumption that widening an expansion loop will inherently reduce stress, highlighting the need for a more nuanced understanding of how different design elements interact.
These findings are consistent with prior research emphasizing the significance of loop length in managing thermal expansion and stress distribution
| [7] | Rao, K. R. (2017). Companion Guide to the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. ASME Press. |
| [10] | Bhatia, K. R. (2012). Stress Analysis of Expansion Loops in Piping Systems. Journal of Pressure Vessel Technology, 134(1), 011302. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4004948 |
[7, 10]
. However, the limited impact of loop width on stress reduction, as observed in this study, calls for further investigation into the specific conditions under which loop width might contribute to or detract from overall system performance.
Future research should focus on exploring the interaction between loop length, width, and configuration, with additional considerations for material properties, environmental factors, and potential transient effects such as water hammer. Including transient analysis in future studies could provide deeper insights into the dynamic behavior of expansion loops under real-world operating conditions, offering a more comprehensive understanding of best practices in expansion loop design.
In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the design of expansion loops requires a careful balance of multiple factors to ensure both safety and efficiency. While lengthening the loop can effectively reduce stress, it must be part of a broader strategy that considers the specific demands and constraints of the system. The findings provide a valuable foundation for ongoing research and practical applications in optimizing piping system design and durability.
4. Conclusions
This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of various expansion loop configurations in piping systems, with the primary objective of optimizing stress management to ensure system safety and reliability. The analysis demonstrated that increasing the length of the expansion loop is an effective strategy for reducing stress, with the 4.5-meter loop configuration emerging as the most viable solution for maintaining stress ratios within safe limits. This finding underscores the critical role that loop length plays in accommodating thermal expansion and mitigating the associated stress within piping systems.
The investigation also revealed that merely widening the expansion loop, as explored in the 3-meter width configuration, does not provide a sufficient reduction in stress. This outcome highlights the importance of considering loop length and overall configuration rather than relying solely on dimensional modifications such as width. The double loop configuration, which offers a balanced approach by enhancing flexibility and space efficiency, also proved to be a viable alternative, especially in scenarios where spatial constraints are a significant factor.
Moreover, this study sheds light on the limitations of traditional approaches to expansion loop design, which often prioritize straightforward dimensional changes without considering the full spectrum of operational dynamics. The results indicate that a more integrative approach—one that accounts for both the geometric configuration of the loop and the specific operational conditions such as temperature fluctuations and pressure variations—is necessary for achieving optimal stress management. This perspective challenges industry practitioners to rethink established norms and adopt more nuanced strategies in the design of piping systems.
In addition to contributing to the theoretical understanding of expansion loop design, the findings of this research have practical implications for the maintenance and longevity of industrial piping systems. By identifying configurations that effectively reduce stress concentrations, this study provides valuable guidelines that can help engineers prevent premature system failures and reduce the frequency of costly repairs and downtime. The insights gained here not only enhance the safety and performance of current systems but also pave the way for the development of more resilient piping networks capable of withstanding the demands of increasingly complex industrial processes.
Overall, this study reinforces the complexity of expansion loop design and the necessity for a holistic approach that integrates multiple design parameters. The findings are consistent with existing literature that emphasizes the importance of loop length, while also providing new insights into the limitations of loop width as a standalone factor in stress management.
Future research should continue to explore the interplay between loop length, width, and configuration, with a focus on transient effects and long-term system durability. Such research will contribute to a more nuanced understanding of expansion loop design, ultimately leading to more robust and reliable piping systems.
This study makes a significant contribution to the field of piping system design, offering practical insights that can be applied to optimize the durability and performance of these systems. By identifying the most effective configurations for stress management, this work provides a solid foundation for future innovations in the design and application of expansion loops.
Abbreviations
ASME | American Society of Mechanical Engineers |
TP304L | Type 304 Low Carbon Stainless Steel |
°C | Degrees Celsius |
m | Meter |
bar | A Unit of Pressure |
NPS | Nominal Pipe Size |
ID | Inner Diameter |
OD | Outer Diameter |
kPa | Kilopascal |
PSV | Pressure Safety Valve |
Author Contributions
Yahya Elahibakhsh is the sole author. The author read and approved the final manuscript.
Conflicts of Interest
The author declares no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this paper.
References
| [1] |
Bhatia, A. (2012). Fundamentals of Piping Stress Analysis. Continuing Education and Development, Inc. Retrieved from.
https://www.cedengineering.com/userfiles/Fundamentals%20of%20Piping%20Stress%20Analysis.pdf
|
| [2] |
Reindl, D. T. (2000). Expansion Loops in Process Piping Systems. The Construction Specifier. Retrieved from
https://www.constructionspecifier.com/expansion-loops-in-process-piping-systems/
|
| [3] |
Cengel, Y. A., & Boles, M. A. (2014). Thermodynamics: An Engineering Approach (8th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
|
| [4] |
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). (2018). ASME B31.3-2018: Process Piping. ASME Press.
https://doi.org/10.1115/asme.b31.3.2018
|
| [5] |
Crane Fluid Handling. (2018). Technical Paper No. 410: Flow of Fluids Through Valves, Fittings, and Pipe. Crane Co.
https://doi.org/10.1115/crane.tp410.2018
|
| [6] |
Botermans, F., & Van Lingen, F. (2006). Piping and Pipeline Engineering: Design, Construction, Maintenance, Integrity, and Repair. Gulf Professional Publishing.
|
| [7] |
Rao, K. R. (2017). Companion Guide to the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. ASME Press.
|
| [8] |
Botermans, W., & Berkel, T. (2017). Expansion Loops in Process Piping Systems. Journal of Piping Systems, 28(3), 123-130.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jps.2017.04.001
|
| [9] |
Reindl, D. T. (2000). Thermal Expansion and Contraction in Piping Systems. Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science, 14(4), 257-267.
https://doi.org/10.1243/jmes.2000.14.4.257
|
| [10] |
Bhatia, K. R. (2012). Stress Analysis of Expansion Loops in Piping Systems. Journal of Pressure Vessel Technology, 134(1), 011302.
https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4004948
|
Cite This Article
-
-
@article{10.11648/j.ajmme.20240802.11,
author = {Yahya Elahibakhsh},
title = {Innovative Approaches to Expansion Loop Design for Enhanced Piping System Durability
},
journal = {American Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering},
volume = {8},
number = {2},
pages = {25-32},
doi = {10.11648/j.ajmme.20240802.11},
url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajmme.20240802.11},
eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajmme.20240802.11},
abstract = {Expansion loops are critical components in piping systems, designed to manage stress caused by thermal expansion and contraction, thereby ensuring the system's durability and safety. This study investigates innovative approaches to optimizing expansion loop design, focusing on improving the performance and reliability of piping systems under various operational conditions. The research examines multiple configurations, including alterations in loop length, shape modifications, and the incorporation of additional loops, to assess their impact on stress distribution within the system. While the primary focus of this study is on static stress analysis, transient operational factors, such as water hammer, were also considered in the analysis to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the loop configurations' performance under various conditions. The findings demonstrate that while increasing the loop length can effectively reduce stress, alternative designs, such as double loops or modified shapes, offer superior stress management, particularly in space-constrained environments. The study concludes that optimal expansion loop design should accommodate thermal expansion and provide robustness against potential transient effects, contributing to a more reliable piping system. These insights provide valuable guidelines for the design and optimization of piping systems across various industrial applications.
},
year = {2024}
}
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Innovative Approaches to Expansion Loop Design for Enhanced Piping System Durability
AU - Yahya Elahibakhsh
Y1 - 2024/09/20
PY - 2024
N1 - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajmme.20240802.11
DO - 10.11648/j.ajmme.20240802.11
T2 - American Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering
JF - American Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering
JO - American Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering
SP - 25
EP - 32
PB - Science Publishing Group
SN - 2639-9652
UR - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajmme.20240802.11
AB - Expansion loops are critical components in piping systems, designed to manage stress caused by thermal expansion and contraction, thereby ensuring the system's durability and safety. This study investigates innovative approaches to optimizing expansion loop design, focusing on improving the performance and reliability of piping systems under various operational conditions. The research examines multiple configurations, including alterations in loop length, shape modifications, and the incorporation of additional loops, to assess their impact on stress distribution within the system. While the primary focus of this study is on static stress analysis, transient operational factors, such as water hammer, were also considered in the analysis to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the loop configurations' performance under various conditions. The findings demonstrate that while increasing the loop length can effectively reduce stress, alternative designs, such as double loops or modified shapes, offer superior stress management, particularly in space-constrained environments. The study concludes that optimal expansion loop design should accommodate thermal expansion and provide robustness against potential transient effects, contributing to a more reliable piping system. These insights provide valuable guidelines for the design and optimization of piping systems across various industrial applications.
VL - 8
IS - 2
ER -
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